Where can I get free help filing a VA disability claim?

Q: Where can I get free help filing a VA disability claim?

There are three free routes. You can file directly with VA yourself on VA.gov at no charge. You can work with a VA-accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO) representative, who never charges at any stage. Or you can work with a VA-accredited claims agent or attorney — no accredited representative may charge a fee for work on an initial claim before VA issues a decision. Oakridge Claims is also an option; it accepts initial claims on a case-by-case basis (no fee for pre-decision work). If VA's decision on that claim later disappoints you, that decision can be appealed — and that is the work Oakridge takes on.

Last verified September 1, 2026 · Reviewed by Esteban Magallon, VA-Accredited Claims Agent

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38 CFR § 14.636(c) bars any accredited representative from charging a fee before VA issues an initial decision on the claim.
VSOs — county and state veterans service officers, DAV, VFW, American Legion and others — represent veterans free at every stage.
Filing an Intent to File first can protect an effective date for up to one year while evidence is gathered.
Verify any representative in VA's accreditation search before signing VA Form 21-22 or 21-22a.

This is general educational information about VA claims — not legal or medical advice. Individual outcomes depend on the record. Oakridge Claims is a private VA-Accredited Claims Agent practice and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

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Where can I get free help filing a VA disability claim?

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